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Alphacool Subzero vs Arctic MX-4: Comparison
Alphacool Subzero vs Arctic MX-4 compound type compared
They are built to different briefs, and compound type shows it, Alphacool Subzero High-Performance Silicone-Based against Arctic MX-4 Carbon-Based. Recommended use is not the same on both, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Subzero versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic MX-4. Reapplication interval is not the same on both, Verify manufacturer-rated interval on the Alphacool Subzero versus Up to 8 years on the Arctic MX-4.
Who each one is for
Take the Alphacool Subzero for high-end CPU and GPU builds, including overclocking, wanting the highest non-liquid-metal conductivity available. It also earns its place with builders who want liquid metal-adjacent performance without the electrical conductivity risk. It is not the one for budget builds where Arctic MX-4 or MX-6 deliver adequate performance for less. Take the Arctic MX-4 for mainstream CPU builds on the tightest thermal-paste budget. Current guides specifically recommend this tier of paste for chips like a Core i5 or Ryzen 5. The same goes for buyers who value an extremely long, proven track record over the newest formula. Few thermal pastes have this much accumulated real-world usage data behind them. It is the wrong buy for flagship or heavily overclocked CPUs. Arctic's own MX-6, or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, both covered elsewhere on this site, deliver meaningfully better performance where that headroom actually matters. Our rating of the Alphacool Subzero (6.6/10): A high-performance silicone-based compound from Alphacool with a strong published conductivity figure. Our rating of the Arctic MX-4 (7.3/10): an extremely well-reviewed budget staple with a huge installed base, though durability has been questioned on laptops and bare dies over long periods.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity and paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Subzero
- Alphacool
- Arctic MX-4
- Arctic
Compound Type
- Alphacool Subzero
- High-Performance Silicone-Based
- Arctic MX-4
- Carbon-Based
Model
- Alphacool Subzero
- Alphacool Subzero , Subzero
- Arctic MX-4
- Arctic MX-4 , MX-4
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Subzero
- Insulating
- Arctic MX-4
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Subzero
- 1g / 3.5g / 20g tubes
- Arctic MX-4
- 2g / 4g / 8g / 20g / 45g tubes
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Subzero
- High-end CPU/GPU (including overclocking)
- Arctic MX-4
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (builds on a tight budget)
Reapplication Interval
- Alphacool Subzero
- Verify manufacturer-rated interval
- Arctic MX-4
- Up to 8 years
Safety Notes
- Alphacool Subzero
- None
- Arctic MX-4
- Metal-free and not electrically conductive; volume resistivity 3.8 x 10^13 ohm-cm
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Subzero
- Standard Paste
- Arctic MX-4
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Subzero if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Arctic MX-4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Subzero | Arctic MX-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | View on Newegg |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Arctic Store | View on Arctic Store |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Alphacool Subzero
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-performance silicone-based compound from Alphacool with a strong published conductivity figure.
Arctic MX-4
7.3 / 10 Expert Rating
An extremely well-reviewed budget staple with a huge installed base, though durability has been questioned on laptops and bare dies over long periods.